|
London - Rapid prototyping technology is being used
extensively in the automotive industry to reduce both the time
consumed and the cost of new product development.
Applications of these new technology
have found favour in both large and small firms. Time savings
on prototyping parts vary, ranging from 60 to 80 percent reductions
when compared to conventional methods for producing prototype
components.
Cost savings are less clear
cut, owing to the problems of establishing meaningful data for
comparison purposes. However, the potential for cost saving lies
in several areas, including early identification and elimination
of costly design mistakes.
Another significant area where
costs can be reduced is in the amount of labour involved in producing
models, tooling and prototype parts - typically very labour intensive
and time consuming activities.
The technology consists of
processes for quickly transforming three dimensional computer-aided
design models into physical models made of various materials.
These models can then be used
to produce tooling using secondary from which functional prototypes
can be manufactured.
The pace of technological development
in this field has been quite rapid. Back in 1988 there was only
one process - stereolithography - but now several different processes
are available. In the near future it will become possible to
directly manufacture metal components which will eliminating
the need for tooling.
Several business objectives
can be significantly improved by using rapid prototyping technologies
such as marketing new products, manufacturing flexibility; and
new product development.
The key to applying these technologies
for competitive advantage lies in innovative use. This involves
using the technology not only to deliver time and cost saving
improvements but also to explore new fields which previously
might have been impossible or uneconomic.
While the pursuit of time and
cost reductions are both clear business objectives, it is evident
that by using rapid prototyping in more innovative ways, firms
can gain more significant benefits. |